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Mangosteen Juice
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Mangosteen juice is made from the seeds, rind, and flesh of this tropical fruit, and together with the pomegranate and acai berry, is one of nature's super fruits. These typically have high nutrient and anti-oxidant qualities. Mangosteens contain xanthones, often referred to as super anti-oxidants, and are natural constituents of the flesh and rind of the mangosteen fruit. The mangosteen has by far the most xanthones of any plant, and is thought to be a more powerful anti-oxidant than Vitamin C.
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit tree that is thought to have originated in South-East Asia. It has a tangerine sized fruit with a dark purple rind, with sweet multi-segmented white flesh. To access the plum tasting flesh simply twist or press the fruit. The fruit pulp is used as a dessert but is also canned. It has since been cultivated more widely in the tropics, where it is a popular medicinal plant and folk remedy, particularly in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders such as diarrhoea. It has also been used to treat infected wounds, tuberculosis, malaria, urinary tract infections, syphilis and gonorrhoea. In the Caribbean, a tea made from mangosteen is used as a tonic for fatigue, whilst Brazilians use a similar tea as a de-worming agent and digestive aid. Because the plant takes many years to mature and produce fruit, sustainable harvesting techniques are essential to ensure over exploitation of this resource.
What's So Good About It?
The known benefits of mangosteen have appreciated widely, with more scientific research underway. This has centred on the significance xanthones play in fighting disease and degeneration. With over 30 xanthones occurring in the rind of the fruit alone, this bodes well for the future! Mangosteen may:
- Reduce cholesterol - mangosteen acts to reduce the 'bad' cholesterols in blood that cause clogged arteries, without the side effects of conventional medications
- Acts to prevent heart disease - antioxidants act to protect against a hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes
- Support and enhance the body's immune system due to the high levels of anti-oxidants present in mangosteen
- Help prevent cancer - studies have shown xanthones to be capable of killing cancer cells
- Increase energy levels - mangosteen contain high levels of potassium, which in the diet plays a vital role in cardiovascular health
- Act as a natural anti-inflammatory providing relief from joint pain and arthritis
- Alleviate gastro-intestinal infections - Xanthones have been shown to limit the growth of bacteria in the stomach
- Act as an astringent (substance that draws tissue together) - preventing dehydration and the loss of essential nutrients from the gastro-intestinal tract of diarrhoea sufferers
- Help lower and regulate blood sugar levels in diabetes
- Provide some relief for sufferers of low level depression
- Reduce irritations of the skin such as eczema and dermatitis
- Helps prevent infections - as an antimicrobial and antiparasitic treatment
What You Need to Know
It should be noted that the pasteurisation (partial sterilisation) process, used in many bottled drinks, may destroy the natural properties of the fruit content. Food additives such as sodium benzoate and benzoic acid, aimed at preventing the liquid deteriorating, may also alter the chemical nature of the juice.
Please bear in mind that mangosteen juice alone is not a cure all, and should be consumed as part of a balanced diet. Consult your nutritionist or local health food outlet for further information.
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